Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous Ever since Derry Girls wrapped in 2022, all eyes have been trained on where next for the stupendous comic talent of Lisa McGee. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025 What’s stunning about the venture isn’t so much the stupendous scale of investment—that’s what AI is all about—but that six leaders in the field that are competitors in different products to different degrees, and often fierce opponents, could unite to form a single company. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025 Designed to survey a large portion of the entire sky over and over, more deeply and in a speedier fashion than ever before, its science goals are stupendous. Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025 But Pullman’s abilities as a storyteller are stupendous, and on full display. Lev Grossman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • The state should leave well enough alone and let the Connecticut homeschool community educate their children in many wonderful ways.
    Nicholas Tampio, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Another wonderful spot is McIntire Park, especially the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial section.
    Abby Price, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • From the very beginning, she was determined and had this amazing self-belief.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The flip side • Kudos to Courtney and Ewan for doing an amazing job of leading two buses of very excited first-graders through the Orlando Wetlands on a field trip!
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And 17 teams were consistent losers, led by the Raiders, who failed at an astonishing nine of 10 hires.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Sharpshooter Chris Ashby led the way for Queens, scoring 34 points and hitting an astonishing 10 3-pointers, many of them in transition when Queens attacked the Central Arkansas trap.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Out of desperation, Carol is lured into the digital wellness retreat called DreamQuil, run by a vague corporate entity promising a miraculous rejuvenation on the other side.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
  • An American man won the Los Angeles Marathon for the second-straight year after Nathan Martin pulled off a miraculous comeback for an epic finish.
    Austin Turner, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Forsberg was marvelous in net, stopping 36 of 39 shots.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • That’s a real paint-stripper of a voice, an acidic sort of vocal that’s just marvelous.
    Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Well, the Santana band of course was just incredible.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026
  • They are known for their incredible kindness and hospitality, which says a lot given the centrality of hospitality to Iranian culture more broadly.
    Talla Mountjoy, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The San Felipe Stakes was not the only Derby prep race Saturday, nor the only one with a surprising result.
    Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The result revealed a surprising pattern—superconductivity appeared and strengthened over a specific range of conditions, forming a curved region known as a superconducting dome.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Whether looking for florals, lace, beading, or ruffles, there are lots of stunning plus-size dresses for spring weddings.
    Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • This cool texture also doubles as stunning spring nail art.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stupendous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster